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The Wicked Witch of the West Was Not Always So Wicked
There’s good in everybody, even in the Wicked Witch of the West
We all know how the Wizard of Oz goes—an innocent young girl, Dorothy, from Kansas, is whisked away to the Land of Oz, where she is terrorized by the Wicked Witch of the West. As far as common history goes, Dorothy is good and the Witch is bad.
But those who’ve seen Wicked will tell you: The Wicked Witch of the West a.k.a Elphaba is not at all wicked or at least not the supervillain the world has made her out to be. Here’s proof (beware: minor spoilers ahead!).
1 Elphaba is the kind of sister you’d want to have
Elphaba has a sister, Nessarose, who’s in a wheelchair. She’s very protective of her and always has her back. When her sister becomes governor of Munchkinland, Elphaba gives her the power to walk by turning her slippers into magical Ruby Slippers.
2 The Wicked Witch of the West is pro-freedom of speech
Who says it’s only humans who can say whatever they want? Elphaba fought for animals’ right to be heard and was one of the reasons why she sought the Wizard of Oz; she knew for sure he would help her cause.
3 She helped Glinda get into sorcery class
Glinda wants to study magic in school but doesn’t have powers of her own. Elphaba, on the other hand, catches the eye of Madame Morrible who realizes she has special powers and decides to teach her sorcery. Mme. Morrible later invites Glinda to the class at the request of you’ll never guess who…Elphaba! She even invites her to Emerald City, where she is set to meet the great Wizard.
4 Elphaba has a soft spot for animals
Elphaba and the students of Shiz are introduced to a cage that will keep the Animals controlled, leaving them unable to speak. She becomes furious and naturally, chaos ensues. Though in the process, she’s able to help save the Lion cub later known as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz.
Still think the Wicked Witch of the West is wicked? Think again and go see the musical.
